Welder Recommendations?

[GTSideSwipe]

Hello everyone, I in the process of restoring my dash so I can install a original radio into my 69 C20. I was just wondering if anyone could recommend me a cheap welder to get the job done.

[truckster]

I really like my Hobart Handler 140. It's reasonably priced and will weld 1/4 plate reliably. It's also American-made and solidly built.

[tinydb84]

Any of the usual 110 migs can do the job. Get a gas one (not flux core). If you plan on learning to weld I would save up and invest in a nicer 220 mig. Hobart makes their 210MVP which can plug into 110/220.

I bought a cheap 110 flux core before buying a 220 and wish I would have just bought a better machine from the start.

[tbonham27]

there is a Lincoln at lowes hardware.. 140amp 110. for about 520.00. best machine I ever had and I have had the expensive ones.

[implanenuts]

Eastwood 175 with a spool gun is $499.99. A buddy has one and it has been good. Their 135 is $279.99 They also have a no-hassle return policy and 3-year warranty. If you don't like it send it back.

Not sure it can compete with some of the big names, but for the money....

[72bowtiestepper]

Stick with the USA made welders...Miller,Lincoln or Hobart & as others have said use gas..not flux core wire. The .023 wire is best for automotive sheet metal.

[_Ogre]

i can't tig, that doesn't mean all tig welders are junk
just because you can't weld with fluxcore doesn't meant they aren't good welders

all welded with a lincoln weldpac fluxcore welder

[BR3W CITY]

I've got a Hobart 210MVP. Its sort of a bridge between the smaller 110 units and the larger spoolgun-compatible GMAW's. $900 is more than "cheap" but if you start doing any more frame or suspension stuff, its really nice. Miller build quality with slightly cheaper accessories (most of which can be replaced with Miller stuff down the line pretty affordably)

I'm also looking at Everlast TIG's, but part of me "wants" to afford a Lincoln/Miller.

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

I've got a Hobart 210MVP. Its sort of a bridge between the smaller 110 units and the larger spoolgun-compatible GMAW's. $900 is more than "cheap" but if you start doing any more frame or suspension stuff, its really nice. Miller build quality with slightly cheaper accessories (most of which can be replaced with Miller stuff down the line pretty affordably)

I'm also looking at Everlast TIG's, but part of me "wants" to afford a Lincoln/Miller.

I regret not going with the MVP.

I got an AHP Alphatig. After an initial issue with the torch (ended up switching to a CK9) it has really started to grow on me. Looking back I would have gotten the Hobart tig but for the cost the AHP is really hard to beat.

['63GENIII]

I really like my Miller Matic 130 Plus. Wish I was able to get the 220 or variable voltage model at the time. I was looking at the Hobarts as well and didn't find out until later from my supplier that Miller made Hobart.
Never heard much bad about any of the big USA made 3. Kinda like Stihl vs Husqvarna.
My kid brother has an old P&H TIG machine from the late 40's. It weighs about 1,200 lbs and works like a dream. Over the years he's added a MIG spool to it. Not very portable but a very functional and cool old tech machine nonetheless.

[Hardworkinguy]

Originally Posted by truckster

I really like my Hobart Handler 140. It's reasonably priced and will weld 1/4 plate reliably. It's also American-made and solidly built.

I'll second that! I bought mine at Tractor Supply for around $475.ish. It replaced an old Hobart Handler 120 that was very used when I bought it and I just wore it out. The entire feed mechanism is metal,not plastic like many of the offshore units. You just can't go wrong with this unit.

[68Timber]

I bought this one to cut my teeth on, having a ball with it - http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html. Great price at $279.

[Wayne penn]

I have been a certified welder for most of my adult life, I just bought a Lincoln 140 110 volt at home depot to do some sheet metal on my 86 k10. I am using the flux core wire. Very easy to set up and works great

Wayne